AI & software

Software developments continue to evolve rapidly and underpin many innovations in nearly all sectors, driven in recent times by the advent of advanced AI algorithms. Our expert-led comprehensive IP strategies provide a vital commercial advantage in this fast-moving, complex field.

Various considerations arise in protecting software-based developments, including whether the requirements for patentability in different jurisdictions are fulfilled. Other considerations include the detectability of third-party implementations, whether retaining knowledge of the software as a trade secret is preferable, and open-source considerations.

HGF’s team have deep knowledge of technical processes behind software and the skills required to identify patentable computer-implemented inventions, to satisfy the different patent protection requirements around the world. HGF also maintains up to date knowledge of case law and other developments in patent law and the software industry to continually develop our practice.

From life sciences and healthcare, to automotive and telecommunications, software underpins many technical fields. At HGF, we frequently provide cross-disciplinary teams of attorneys to work on projects for our clients which include software-specialist attorneys. This ensures our clients benefit from software specific advice as well as the expertise of the attorneys who specialise in the relevant technical field.

Our team guides in-house patent departments, companies, SMEs and academia, delivering our full range of IP services to help your business secure valuable IP protection for your software innovations.

Latest updates

Can foreign manufacturers escape the long arm of the UPC’s jurisdiction?

In the three years since it became operational, the UPC has established itself as a leading forum for pan-European patent litigation, with a number of decisions raising important questions regarding …

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Materials at the Final Frontier: How Engineering Innovations Are Powering the Future of Space

The Hidden Drivers of the Space Economy Space may be the ultimate testing ground for technology, but its success depends on what we build with, not just what we build. …

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Sustainable Technologies in Space: Protecting Innovation for a Greener Frontier

The modern space race is not just about reaching farther. Although it’s exciting to think that one day we might have holidays on other planets, space travel and exploration in …

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Patents Beyond Earth: Do we need a Martian Patent Office? Part 2

As of 2026, our patent offices are all Earth-based, and there is no comprehensive or harmonised framework for patent rights covering outer space as a region. However, there are a …

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Patents Beyond Earth: Is Space a No Man's Land? Part 1

It is well established that the patent system is territorial in nature. If you have an invention you wish to patent, at some point, you are going to have to …

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HGF energy and IP

Fuelling IP: Nuclear Fusion Patents – Is 20 Years Enough?

A patent is often described as providing 20 years of exclusivity. For technologies that take many years to develop, test, license and bring to market, the period of commercially meaningful …

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Miniaturisation and Patentability: Why Scaling Down a Product Is Not Enough to Qualify as a Patentable Invention

Miniaturisation has become a defining trend in modern engineering. From consumer electronics to medical devices, companies constantly strive to make products smaller, lighter, and more portable. This evolution is often …

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T 0847/24 – New EPO Case Law Informs Strategy for AI-Assisted Engineering Design Patents

The recent EPO Board of Appeal decision T 0847/24 sets out that, when AI is involved in product design, the patent claims should follow the process through from digital model …

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Let's talk

If you would like to discuss how HGF could help you, contact one of our AI & software specialists.